The propeller shaft in a helicopter is the part of the aircraft that drives the blades. This shaft is part of the aircraft's engine, and it's what carries the helicopter's rotors and propellers through the air.
This shaft is generally made from carbon fiber or carbon composite. Its shape is the same as that of the propeller, but it has a greater strength and endurance than the propeller. However, the shaft also needs to be lightweight so that it can hold the entire weight of the helicopter without bulging out like the propeller does.
Lightness of this shaft is one of its main concerns. If it is too light, it will not hold the entire weight of the helicopter. In addition, the propeller shaft also needs to be highly reliable because it carries the rotor blades and the rotor shaft on it. If it were to break down, it could cause the helicopter to come crashing down.
There are many parts in the helicopter that need to work together to make the propeller shaft work. These parts include:
The power electronics that control the flight of the motor include a number of things such as air temperature sensors, which can tell when the air conditioner is too hot or too cold. If the air conditioner is too hot, the computer will shut the engine down to prevent damage to the propeller shaft.
The electronics that control the throttle of the engine also need to work together. If the throttle is too far to the left or right, the computer might shut the engine down to avoid unnecessary damage to the propeller shaft.
The actuators that move the blades on the propeller are also very important, especially if the flight is controlled with a remote control. The actuators can sense the rotor speed and use them to control the movement of the blades. The actuators on the opposite ends of the blades also need to work together to ensure that the blades do not hit each other while the helicopter is flying.
The sprockets and blades that make up the rotors need to have a smooth surface, meaning that the blades can slide smoothly into place. It is important for this to be smooth so that the airflow moves through it evenly.
The tappet plate that holds the blades in place also needs to be smooth, as it is where the rotor blades and propeller rotors are joined. The plate is also used to keep the rotor blades from sliding back and forth after they are installed.
The face plates, which are the half-shafts, are made of stainless steel. Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant metal, which is why it is used for these surfaces.
Some helicopters have an added shock absorbing material called feathering material that works in small amounts to absorb some of the vibration during flight. This material consists of carbon fibers, which are used to form an aerodynamic shape that forms a perfect seal against the tail rotor.
The blade's face plate is made of carbon fiber, and its thickness determines how much resistance it will receive from the airflow. The thickness of the blade determines the speed it will travel at.
